This week, in honor of the crossing of the Sea of Reeds, we give our Sabbath the special name of Shabbat Shira: Sabbath of Song. The name recognizes the song that Moses and Miriam sing as they cross the dry land of what is sometimes called the Red Sea. It is a song of joy, triumph, and faith. We all know many of the words that are in the song: most notably “Mi chamocha ba-elim Adonai (who is like You, Adonai?)” — a reference to God’s wondrous deeds including the parting of the sea.
We are reminded of the midrash of Nachshon Ben Aminadav and his story of courage. Nachshon is standing at the Sea alongside the Children of Israel, who are frightened and don’t know how to possibly proceed. Moses lifts his arms and staff — but the Sea is not parting. Pharaoh is in pursuit and danger lurks. One person, Nachshon, makes his decision to take action: he walks forward into the waters. The midrash tells us that the water came all the way up to his nostrils…and then the waters parted. The Israelites moved forward.
We learn that one person’s courage can change the course of events; that faith counts and makes the difference. We all need to emulate the courage of Nachshon when we face troubled waters. When we are up our nostrils in tzuris (Yiddish for tzarot, travails), we must move forward to get past our fears and walk to the other side.
If the Israelites had looked only down at their feet while crossing the sea, they would have seen only mud. They would have missed the miracle surrounding them.
Look up and witness the miracles all around us in our daily lives. Have the courage of Nachshon: follow his example of faith, optimism, and courage.
Try to sing songs of gratitude every day.
— Cantor Nathan Lam